Glow

The house stands dark,
somber,
bone chilling
in the winter gloom.
The beat of the clock
echoes in the emptiness.

Then,
the sound of footfall
crunching through snow,
a creak on the stairs,
key in the lock
and she is here.
Home.

The warmth of her presence
permeates the rooms
and the glow of life returns.

When she sits down to rest,
the furniture draws around her,
the walls bear up
to protect her
from the cold and wind.

By Maria Brady-Smith

Photo by Mike Smith